Don't let a stuck vehicle ruin your off-road adventure. Check out these top off-road shovel picks, and always be prepared for any situation.
The best off-road shovels are; Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel, Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel, SOG Folding Shovel, Ames True Temper Steel Tine Shovel, and Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel with Storage Bag. They’re durable and portable, making them ideal for off-road adventures.
I've had my fair share of getting stuck in the mud and snow during off-roading. That's why I've tested and researched the best off-road shovels to help you avoid such unwanted experiences. Along with my experiences, I've consulted with experts in the field and gathered insights to provide you with the most comprehensive and reliable information. So, let's dig into the off-road shovels world and ensure you're always prepared for whatever nature throws your way.
Key Takeaways
- Always carry a foldable, multi-functional off-road shovel on your adventures.
- Rhino USA and SOG shovels come with additional saw and pickaxe features.
- Gerber Gorge shovel has a Sledge Hammer, which makes it versatile.
- Ames True Temper overland shovel has a cushioned grip for comfort.
- Smittybilt overland shovel is easy to assemble and has a storage bag.
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Best Off-Road Shovel
Heading off-road into the wild with your Overlanding Vehicle is an adventure requiring preparation and the important tools. One such essential tool is an off-road shovel.
Choosing the best off-road shovel will depend on your specific needs and preferences. These overland shovels offer different features and capabilities, such as compact design, strength, durability, and specialized features like a sharpened edge, steel handles, and a telescoping handle.
For an off-road shovel, having a reliable and durable tool is essential for any adventure. Let's look at some of the top options available on the market.
1. Rhino Folding Survival Shovel
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is a heavy-duty carbon steel DMOS delta shovel designed for off-road, camping, and other outdoor activities. It’s a military-style entrenching tool with versatile features that make it a reliable companion for off-roading adventures.
Specifications
Constructed from heavy-duty carbon steel, the Rhino USA shovel weighs 2.2 pounds and measures 9.8 x 6 x 1.6 inches when folded. Its fully extended length is 21 inches.
Performance
Thanks to its durable carbon steel construction, the Rhino Folding Survival Shovel performs well in various terrains, including tough dirt, sand, mud, and snow. It's also suitable for digging, cutting, and other outdoor tasks.
What Sets It Apart
One feature that distinguishes the Rhino Folding Survival Shovel is its built-in pick, which makes it useful for breaking up hard ground or for self-defense in emergencies. Additionally, it has a serrated edge for cutting roots or small branches, making it an all-around versatile tool.
Recent Updates
There is no information on recent updates to the Rhino Folding Survival Shovel updates. Keep an eye on the manufacturer’s website for the latest product information.
Benefits
- Heavy-duty carbon steel construction and roof rack
- Multi-functional, with an in-built pick and serrated edge
- Folding design for easy storage and portability
- Effective in various terrains and situations
Drawbacks
- It’s heavier than some users prefer
- Serrations could be sharper for more efficient cutting
- The handle could be more comfortable during prolonged use
- The lack of recent updates might be a concern
Who Should Buy It
If you are an off-road enthusiast, a camper, a gardener, and need a dependable all-in-one shovel for your camp tasks, the Rhino Folding Survival Shovel is a superb option. Its durability and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of tasks.
Where to Buy It
You can purchase this shovel on the Rhino USA website or via Amazon.
2. Gerber Gorge Best Overlanding Shovel
The Gerber Gorge Best Overlanding Shovel is a lightweight and compact off-road shovel designed for various tasks, such as digging out a stuck vehicle or creating fire pits. This shovel is made from high-quality materials, featuring a high-carbon blade shape and a glass full of nylon fiberglass shaft for durability and strength.
Specifications
This folding shovel by Gerber features a carbon blade shape, a heavy-duty handle that doubles as a hammer, and a rubberized grip for comfortable use, like creating a fire pit for mounting holes. The Gerber Gorge shovel is designed to be lightweight, making it easy to carry during outdoor adventures.
Performance
Thanks to its carbon steel blade, the Gerber Gorge Shovel offers great performance when it comes to cutting through different types of soil, snow, or debris.
Additionally, its hi-lift handle has been used as a hammer for pounding tent stakes, making this mini shovel a multifunctional tool that comes in handy in various off-road situations.
What Sets It Apart
One aspect that makes the Gerber Gorge the best Overlanding shovel is its foldable design, which allows for easy storage and transportation. This compact shovel is a favorite among backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts, as it takes up minimal space while still providing excellent functionality.
Recent Updates
There are no recent updates available for this particular model at this time. Gerber Shovel is always working on improving its products, so it's worth keeping an eye out for future advancements in its lineup of off-road shovels.
Benefits
- Lightweight and hi-lift compact design
- High-carbon steel blade for durability
- Foldable for easy storage and transportation
- The handle doubles as any hammer
Drawbacks
- Not a good shovel for heavy-duty digging
- It’s not as durable as fixed-handle shovels
- Limited in length when fully extended and will need two shovels
- The handle is uncomfortable during prolonged use
Who Should Buy It
The Gerber Gorge Shovel is arguably the best shovel if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a backpacker, or an off-road adventurer who requires a compact and lightweight digging tool. This versatile, cheap shovel handles various tasks and easily fits in a backpack or Overlanding vehicle storage compartment, making it a great addition to your off-road gear collection.
Where to Buy It
Purchase this recovery shovel online at Gerber Gorge's official website, where you’ll find more information about its features, specifications, and customer reviews for this good off-road shovel model.
3. SOG Folding Shovel
The SOG Folding Shovel is a compact, durable shovel and a versatile option for off-road enthusiasts seeking a reliable tool for their outdoor adventures. Made by a reputable brand known for its high-quality outdoor equipment, this shovel for Overlanding is designed to tackle many tasks easily.
Specifications
Made from the best carbon stainless steel, the SOG shovel for Overlanding features a 3-way folding design and measures 25 inches in length when fully unfolded. The partially serrated shovel blade is designed for sawing through small roots and branches, making it a versatile tool for off-road challenges.
Performance
This shovel for Overlanding has earned a reputation for its durability and resilience, making it ideal for survival situations and heavy-duty off-roading use. It's compact size and lightweight enable easy storage and transport, ensuring that it will not take up much space in your vehicle or gear bag.
What Sets It Apart
One of the standout features of the SOG shovel for Overlanding is its trifold design, inspired by the US GI military e-tool. This design makes the shovel lighter and smaller than standard military e-tools, making it a practical choice for off-road enthusiasts searching for portability and efficiency.
The serrated edge on one side of the shovel blade enables cutting through roots and branches, adding to its versatility and putting it among the best Overlanding shovels.
Recent Updates
Although recent updates specific to the SOG shovel for Overlanding are not readily available, SOG shovel, as a brand, continues to produce innovative and practical gear for outdoor enthusiasts. Keep an eye on their official website for potential updates and new product releases.
Benefits
- Compact and portable design
- Durable high carbon stainless steel construction
- Versatile serrated blade for sawing
- It's a collapsible shovel
- 3-way folding design for easy storage and stacking loose rocks
- Lighter and smaller than a standard shovel for military e-tools
Drawbacks
- It’s not suitable for heavy-duty digging
- Limited additional features compared to some multitool shovels
- Shorter than some other off-road shovels on the market
- Lack of recent updates specific to this model
Who Should Buy It
The SOG Folding Shovels is an excellent choice if you’re an outdoor enthusiast in need of a compact, reliable, and versatile off-road shovel. Its durable construction, portable design, and user-friendly features make it suitable for survival and casual off-roading.
Where to Buy It
The SOG Folding off-road Shovel is available on the official SOG website and through other reliable outdoor gear retailers such as Amazon and Survival Junkies.
4. Ames True Temper Steel Tine Shovel
The Ames True Temper Steel Tine Shovel is a heavy-duty, reliable choice for off-road enthusiasts. This versatile digging tool is perfect for hard rocky soil, making it ideal for gardening and landscaping needs.
The True Temper off-road shovel boasts durable construction and a traction board that's built to last.
Specifications
This off-road shovel has a steel tine blade and a sturdy handle designed for comfort and durability. Its long handle construction allows for better leverage during usage.
Performance
The Ames True Temper Steel Tine off-road Shovel has impressive and reliable performance. Its durable design and construction make it highly effective at breaking up hard, rocky soil, and its long handle allows for efficient digging.
What Sets It Apart
Its steel tine blade and ergonomic handle set the Ames True Temper off-road shovel apart from other shovels. It is designed for comfort and durability and is highly efficient at breaking through tough soil, making it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Recent Updates
While there have not been notable recent updates to this specific model, Ames True Temper, as a brand, is always seeking ways to improve its products, ensuring customers receive the best quality tools.
Benefits
- Durable steel tine blade and traction boards
- Comfortable and sturdy handle
- Efficient at breaking through hard, rocky soil
- Long handle for better leverage
Drawbacks
- It’s not suitable for lighter tasks
- It’s heavier than alternative overland shovels
- Limited availability online
- Pricier than some competitors
Who Should Buy It
The Ames True Temper Steel Tine off-road Shovel is the best shovel if you're an off-road enthusiast, professional landscaper, and homeowner with challenging terrain. Its durability and efficiency make it suitable for various tasks, including digging and gardening; you won’t need a second shovel option if you land on this.
Where to Buy It
You can purchase the Ames True Temper Steel Tine off-road Shovel through their official website or other leading online retailers such as Lowe's.
5. Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel with Storage Bag
The Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel is a full-size shovel, and an efficient off-road companion that has a convenient storage bag, mounting brackets, and mounting clamps.
Designed to deliver high performance with durability, this off-road shovel is a great shovel for outdoor enthusiasts and off-road adventurers.
Specifications
The Smittybilt Tri-Fold off-road Shovel features a carbon square blade with double-serrated edges, ensuring both cutting and digging capabilities. Its fiber-reinforced nylon handle provides durability and strength during use. When fully folded, this off-road shovel has an extremely compact design, making it easy to transport and store.
Performance
This tri-fold off-road shovel showcases impressive strength and versatility, suitable for various outdoor tasks. Whether it's digging through rough terrain or cutting branches, the double-serrated edges and heat-treated carbon steel blade provide reliable performance.
What Sets It Apart
What sets the Smittybilt Tri-Fold off-road Shovel apart from its competitors is its portability and compact design.
The shovel easily fits into small spaces or attaches to your off-road gear, making it an excellent tool to keep on hand for any outdoor adventure. The included storage bag provides a convenient carrying solution and ensures this versatile tool goes wherever you go.
Recent Updates
Smittybilt continuously strives to improve its products based on user feedback and cutting-edge technological advancements for quick fist mounts. The Tri-Fold Shovel has seen improvements in its construction and materials over the years, ensuring it remains a reliable option for off-road enthusiasts.
Benefits
- Compact tri-fold design for easy storage and transportation
- Carbon blade with double sharpened edges for versatile use
- Fiber-reinforced nylon handle for durability and strength
- Heat-treated blade for high strength
- Included storage bag for convenience
Drawbacks
- It’s not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- The handle might feel less comfortable for extended use
Who Should Buy It
If you are an off-road adventurer seeking a reliable, portable, and versatile digging tool, the Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel is an excellent choice. Its compact design and rugged construction make it a perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts who demand performance and durability from their gear.
Where to Buy It
Smittybilt Tri-Fold overland shovel is available for purchase from a variety of retailers. Some popular options include Amazon, Summit Racing, ExtremeTerrain.com, and the official Smittybilt website.
